The Keeper of Lost Causes

Department Q, Book 1

By: Jussi Adler-Olsen

Narrated by: Erik Davies

Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Get to know the detective in charge of Copenhagen's coldest cases in the first electrifying Department Q mystery from New York Times best-selling author Jussi Adler-Olsen.

Carl Mørck used to be one of Denmark’s best homicide detectives. Then a hail of bullets destroyed the lives of two fellow cops, and Carl - who didn’t draw his weapon - blames himself. So a promotion is the last thing he expects. But Department Q is a department of one, and Carl’s got only a stack of cold cases for company. His colleagues snicker, but Carl may have the last laugh, because one file keeps nagging at him: A liberal politician vanished five years earlier and is presumed dead. But she isn’t dead...yet.

Darkly humorous, propulsive, and atmospheric, The Keeper of Lost Causes introduces American listeners to the mega-bestselling series fast becoming an international sensation.

©2011 Jussi Adler-Olsen (P)2011 Penguin

The Keeper of Lost Causes

As I reflect on this book I find I have mostly positive things to say about the novel. If you like police procedurals, and appreciate the mysteries and frustrations of a Cold Case, I think you'll enjoy this book.

I know some reviews have been critical of the "promotion" this initially unlikeable character received but I read it more as a banishment. The powers that be can't stand Carl's PTSD induce bad attitude and can't fire him after what happen to him while on duty so they stick him in the basement in a new Cold Case department of one. Problem solved.

What the missing politician had to endure was almost over the top. It was so diabolical as to almost be unbelievable. That is until you turn on the evening news and realize there may just be someone sick enough, and hateful enough, to do something like this.

Lastly a comment about the narrator. I noticed a couple of critical comments about his accent however I really enjoyed it. The narrator used a fairly thick, but very understandable, Scandinavian accent. I thoroughly enjoyed the accent; it really helped me feel like I was running around Denmark investigating the Cold Case with Carl. However I did have to chuckle once or twice when his middle eastern accent came across a little like Bela Lagosi in Dracula, but overall I still enjoyed Erik Davies' narration a lot.

I really enjoyed this book and I hope you do too.

Gripping. Excellent writing.

Page turner for sure. Highly recommend. Can't say anymore. Dot dot dot dot. Jeez. Hate writing on iPhone. Review optional.

Like Stieg Larson or Jo Nesbo?

The next Larson and Nesbo Scandinavian mystery writer. Be patient and allow it to unfold. Well worth it. Enjoy.

This book made me write a review!

What made the experience of listening to The Keeper of Lost Causes the most enjoyable?

THE STORY, THE NARRATOR. The narrator used the accents of the with the winding story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Carl (the detective) went to see the child and made the child remember.

Any additional comments?

A book must grab me and hold my attention (I must have ADD). This book did that. I have never taken only two days to finish a book, but I could not let this one go. I listened to book 4 not realizing it was a series, then went back to book 1 and I will listen to every one in the series.

Southern tinged Norwegian accent

Where does The Keeper of Lost Causes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a good story with interesting characters.

What didn’t you like about Erik Davies’s performance?

Why impose a Norwegian accent - especially with what sounds like a Southern drawl - when using English??? The narrator's delivery was as disconcerting as that of the Cockney accented Englishman's delivery of the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo.

A real thriller

This audio book was interesting, moved along well and (if reading it in print) could be called a "page turner". The main characters are credible and the narration by Erik Davies is simply awesome!

Incredible!

This is my second time listening to this book and I enjoyed it as much as the first time. It's an incredible story of how far bitterness can take a human being; while exposing that within all that darkness lies hope and miracles.

A story that gains momentum

This book kept me interested and as I got deeper into the unfolding story I found myself hooked. A subtle and low key introduction builds nicely into a complex and suspenseful tale. Looking forward to reading more about Department Q. Love the characters and their relationship to each other.

The sidekick was the star!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Keeper of Lost Causes to be better than the print version?

Did not read the print version

Who was your favorite character and why?

Assad, the assistant to Carl Morck, is the real star. He has a mystery past that we will learn more about.

What does Erik Davies bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Authentic sounding accents and characters

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ambivalent ending re Merete and the revelation of her disabled brother's attachment to her.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the next translation and audiobook by Adler-Olsen

Great listen

When I read the reviews I was nervous about the narration, but i enjoyed the narration and accent and felt it added to the story.